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LED light installation created by artists to be shown nightly

Allison Teixeira
November 16, 2011

ArtsEmerson: The World On Stage will launch curated artistic programming this week for the Paramount Center’s LED windows on the façade of 559 Washington Street. Beginning November 16 at 5:30 pm, the LED installation will feature new media work by four contemporary artists, curated by Joseph D. Ketner II, the Henry and Lois Foster Chair of Contemporary Art and Distinguished Curator-in-Residence at Emerson.

The LED wall at 559 Washington Street will feature curated work from contemporary artists. Photo by Jim Manning.

The new images will be visible on the building’s energy-efficient LED system, which is built into the three-story, seven-arched window façade. Up until now, the windows have displayed a short looping artistic light show. During the new installation, each artist’s work will run in 15-minute blocks. The program will run nightly beginning two hours before sunset and ending at midnight.

“The intention is to activate the visual dynamics of Washington Street and the Theatre District neighborhood with something a little different—a monumental artistic experience,” said Ketner.

According to ArtsEmerson Executive Director Rob Orchard, “This is a wonderful new venue for ArtsEmerson, adding visual art to our already robust theater, film, and music programming. That it is visible from outside the building contributes to the energy and excitement of this historic neighborhood, and invites our audience, and everyone who lives, works, and plays downtown, to experience art on a daily basis.”

It is anticipated that the contributed work will change periodically, curated by a rotating roster of artists.

Best viewing of the lights will be from Avenue de Lafayette, which runs perpendicular to 559 Washington Street.